10695670

System and Method for Capturing Text for an Online Application

PublishedJune 30, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A video game hosting service, comprising: a server configured to execute an instance of a video game application and exchange game play data of the video game application with a client device over a network using a first communication channel established between the server and the client device by the video game hosting service; and a text entry interface of the video game application that uses a second communication channel between a second computing device and the server of the video game hosting service, upon detecting a text entry request during execution of the video game application, the text entry interface communicates with the second computing device via the second communication channel through a text capturing application programming interface (API), wherein the text entry interface, in response to the text entry request, is configured to cause generation of a text entry graphical user interface (GUI) on the second computing device, the text entry GUI used to receive textual data at the second computing device for entry at the video game application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a video game hosting service that improves text input for players using separate devices. The system addresses the challenge of entering text in video games, which can be cumbersome on gaming controllers or consoles. The service runs a video game instance on a server and communicates gameplay data with a client device (e.g., a console or gaming PC) over a first network channel. When text input is needed, the game triggers a text entry interface that uses a second communication channel to connect to a second computing device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet). This secondary device runs a text-capturing API that generates a dedicated text entry GUI, allowing the user to type more efficiently. The entered text is then transmitted back to the game instance on the server. This approach enables seamless text input without interrupting gameplay on the primary device, enhancing usability for multiplayer chats, in-game searches, or other text-based interactions. The system ensures low-latency communication between the game server and the secondary device, maintaining responsiveness. The text entry interface dynamically activates when text input is required, ensuring the secondary device is only engaged when necessary. This solution is particularly useful for games where frequent or complex text input is needed, such as MMORPGs or strategy games.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the second communication channel is separate from the first communication channel and allows the second computing device to independently connect with the video game hosting service executing the video game application on the server.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service enables multiple computing devices to connect to a server executing a video game application. The service uses a first communication channel to facilitate gameplay interactions between the devices, such as sending player inputs and receiving game state updates. To improve reliability and reduce latency, the service also establishes a second communication channel that operates independently of the first. This second channel allows a computing device to maintain a direct connection with the server, ensuring continuous communication even if the first channel experiences disruptions. The independent nature of the second channel prevents bottlenecks and ensures that critical game data, such as player actions or server responses, are transmitted without interference from other network traffic. This dual-channel approach enhances the overall stability and responsiveness of the video game hosting service, particularly in scenarios where network conditions are unstable or congested. The second channel may be used for specific types of data, such as high-priority updates, while the first channel handles general gameplay traffic. This separation optimizes resource allocation and minimizes delays, improving the player experience.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein a connection between the server and the second computing device is established without connecting through the client device that is used to provide user input for the video game application.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service enables remote play of a video game application by a user on a client device, where the game logic is executed on a server. The service allows a second computing device to join the same game session without requiring the client device to act as an intermediary for the connection between the server and the second device. This eliminates the need for the client device to relay data between the server and the second device, reducing latency and improving performance. The second computing device can independently connect to the server, allowing multiple users to participate in the same game session without relying on the original client device for network communication. This setup is particularly useful for multiplayer gaming, where low-latency connections are critical for smooth gameplay. The service ensures that the second device can interact with the game server directly, maintaining synchronization and responsiveness while offloading processing tasks to the server. This approach enhances scalability and flexibility in multiplayer environments, as additional devices can join without burdening the original client device with network management.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the text entry interface identifies the second computing device by querying a user account of a user interacting with the video game application using the client device.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service provides a text entry interface for a user interacting with a video game application on a client device. The interface allows the user to send text messages to a second computing device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, during gameplay. The text entry interface identifies the second computing device by querying the user's account associated with the video game application. This ensures the message is routed to the correct device without requiring manual input of the recipient's contact information. The system may also include features like message encryption, delivery confirmation, and integration with in-game events to enhance communication between players and external devices. The service improves real-time interaction by enabling seamless text messaging between the game environment and external devices, addressing the need for efficient and secure communication during gameplay.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the text entry GUI is operable to receive the textual data from a keyboard of the second computing device.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service enables multiple users to interact in a shared virtual environment. The service includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for text entry, allowing users to input textual data during gameplay. This text entry GUI is designed to receive input from a keyboard of a second computing device, distinct from the primary device running the game. The system facilitates real-time communication between players, enhancing collaboration or competition within the game. The text entry GUI may also include additional features such as auto-completion, spell-checking, or customizable input fields to improve usability. The service ensures seamless integration of text input from external devices, ensuring smooth gameplay without disruptions. This functionality is particularly useful in multiplayer games where quick and efficient communication is essential for coordination. The system may also support different input methods, such as voice-to-text conversion, for added flexibility. The overall design aims to provide a robust and user-friendly text input solution within a video game hosting environment.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the text entry GUI includes an interactive virtual keyboard that is operable using controls provided on the second computing device.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service enables multiplayer gaming sessions between a first computing device and a second computing device, where the first device hosts the game and the second device connects remotely. The service includes a text entry graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user of the second device to input text during gameplay. The text entry GUI features an interactive virtual keyboard that can be operated using the controls of the second computing device, such as a game controller or touchscreen inputs. This allows players to communicate in-game without needing a physical keyboard, enhancing accessibility and convenience. The virtual keyboard is designed to integrate seamlessly with the game's interface, ensuring that text input does not disrupt gameplay. The system may also include features like auto-completion, predictive text, or customizable keyboard layouts to improve usability. The service ensures low-latency text transmission between devices, maintaining real-time communication during multiplayer sessions. This solution addresses the challenge of text input in gaming environments where physical keyboards are impractical, providing an efficient and user-friendly alternative.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the video game application generates and transmits a trigger signal to the second computing device via the second communication channel, in response to detecting the text entry request, the trigger signal activates a text entry application at the second computing device, the activated text entry application opening the text entry GUI at the second computing device for receiving the textual data.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a video game hosting service that facilitates text entry from a secondary computing device. The system addresses the problem of inconvenient or limited text input methods in video games, particularly when using controllers or touchscreens, by enabling text entry from a separate device with a full keyboard or more ergonomic input method. The primary computing device runs the video game application, while a secondary computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is used for text input. When the video game requires text input, such as for chat or in-game commands, the game application detects the request and generates a trigger signal. This signal is transmitted to the secondary device via a dedicated communication channel, activating a text entry application on the secondary device. The text entry application then opens a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving textual data, which is subsequently transmitted back to the primary device for use in the game. The system ensures seamless integration between the game and the secondary device, improving usability and efficiency for players who prefer or require alternative input methods. The communication channels between the devices may be wireless or wired, and the system supports synchronization to ensure real-time or near-real-time text input.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The video game hosting service of claim 7 , wherein the trigger signal is generated in response to a game state of the video game application.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service provides cloud-based hosting for video game applications, allowing users to stream and play games remotely. The service includes a server that executes the game application and transmits video and audio data to client devices, while receiving input commands from the clients. A key feature is the ability to generate a trigger signal based on the game state of the video game application. This trigger signal can initiate various actions, such as modifying game parameters, adjusting server resources, or notifying other systems. The game state may include factors like player progress, in-game events, or environmental conditions. By monitoring and responding to these states, the hosting service can optimize performance, enhance gameplay, or enable dynamic content delivery. The system ensures low-latency communication between the server and clients, maintaining a seamless gaming experience. The trigger signal generation is automated, allowing real-time adjustments without manual intervention. This approach improves scalability and adaptability in cloud-based gaming environments.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the textual data is forwarded along with game play data for rendering at a display screen associated with the client device.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service provides a platform for executing video games on remote servers and streaming the gameplay to client devices. The service addresses the challenge of delivering high-performance gaming experiences to devices with limited processing power by offloading game execution to cloud-based servers. This approach reduces latency and ensures consistent performance across different client devices. The service includes a system for capturing and transmitting textual data generated during gameplay, such as chat messages, notifications, or in-game text, alongside the video and audio streams. This textual data is synchronized with the gameplay data and rendered on the display screen of the client device. The integration of textual data ensures that players receive real-time updates and communication without disrupting the gaming experience. The system may also include mechanisms for processing and filtering the textual data before transmission to enhance security and relevance. By combining textual and gameplay data, the service provides a seamless and immersive gaming environment for users.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The video game hosting service of claim 9 , wherein encoders and scalers within the video game hosting service are configured to encode and package the textual data along with frames of the game play data, the frames forwarded to the client device for decoding and rendering, wherein the game play data is rendered in a first display region and the textual data is rendered in a second display region of the display screen associated with the client device.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service provides real-time game streaming to client devices, where game play data is encoded, transmitted, and rendered on the client device. The service includes encoders and scalers that process both game play data and additional textual data. The game play data consists of video frames representing the game's visual output, while the textual data includes supplementary information such as chat messages, notifications, or other text-based content. The encoders and scalers package the textual data alongside the game play frames, ensuring synchronized transmission to the client device. Upon receipt, the client device decodes and renders the game play data in a primary display region of the screen, while the textual data is displayed in a separate, distinct region. This separation allows players to view game visuals and textual information simultaneously without overlap, improving usability and reducing visual clutter. The system ensures that the textual data remains synchronized with the game play data, maintaining context and relevance. This approach enhances the gaming experience by providing clear, organized presentation of both visual and textual content.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The video game hosting service of claim 10 , wherein the scalers scale the second display region rendering the textual data to accommodate content rendered thereon.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service provides a system for managing and displaying game content across multiple display regions. The service includes a game server that processes game data and a client device that renders the game content. The system divides the display into at least two regions: a first region for rendering game graphics and a second region for rendering textual data, such as chat messages or game statistics. The service dynamically adjusts the size and layout of these regions to optimize the display of content. Specifically, the scalers within the system automatically resize the second display region to ensure that the textual data remains readable and properly formatted, even as the game content changes. This adjustment accommodates variations in the amount of text or the size of the display, maintaining a balanced and user-friendly interface. The system may also include additional features, such as prioritizing certain types of content or adjusting the scaling based on user preferences. The overall goal is to enhance the gaming experience by providing a flexible and adaptive display that efficiently presents both visual and textual information.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The video game hosting service of claim 10 , wherein the textual data generated at the second computing device is processed by the video game hosting service to include an image of a user providing the textual data, the second display region rendering the textual data includes the image of the user providing the textual data.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service enables real-time communication between players during gameplay. The service processes textual data generated by a user at a second computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and includes an image of the user alongside the text. This processed data is then rendered in a second display region of the game interface, allowing other players to see both the text and the user's image. The system ensures seamless integration of user-generated content with the game environment, enhancing social interaction and immersion. The image may be captured via a camera or selected from stored media, and the service dynamically updates the display to reflect new messages and associated images in real time. This feature improves player engagement by providing visual context to text-based communication, reducing ambiguity and fostering a more interactive experience. The service operates across multiple devices, ensuring consistent performance and synchronization regardless of the platform used.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the second computing device is communicatively connected to the server via the network.

Plain English Translation

A video game hosting service enables multiple players to participate in a shared gaming session. The service includes a server that manages the game state and a first computing device that hosts the game session. A second computing device, such as a player's device, connects to the server over a network to join the session. The server facilitates communication between the first computing device and the second computing device, allowing real-time interaction during gameplay. The second computing device may be any networked device capable of running the game client, such as a smartphone, tablet, or console. The server ensures synchronization of game data, handles player inputs, and maintains consistent gameplay across all connected devices. This setup allows for scalable multiplayer experiences without requiring direct peer-to-peer connections between players, reducing latency and improving reliability. The system may also include additional features like matchmaking, session management, and cloud-based processing to enhance the gaming experience. The network connection between the second computing device and the server ensures seamless integration into the hosted session, enabling dynamic participation and interaction with other players.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The video game hosting service of claim 1 , wherein the second computing device is communicatively connected to the server via a second network that is different from the network of the client device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a video game hosting service that enables multiplayer gaming across different networks. The system includes a server that hosts a video game session, a client device connected to the server via a first network, and a second computing device connected to the server via a second network that is distinct from the first network. The service allows the client device and the second computing device to participate in the same game session despite being on separate networks, ensuring seamless multiplayer interaction. The server manages communication between the devices, synchronizing gameplay data and handling network latency to maintain a consistent gaming experience. This solution addresses the challenge of enabling multiplayer gaming when players are on different networks, such as home networks, public Wi-Fi, or mobile data, by providing a centralized hosting infrastructure that bridges these disparate connections. The system may also include features like matchmaking, session management, and real-time data synchronization to enhance gameplay. The invention is particularly useful for online multiplayer games where players may connect from various locations and networks, ensuring reliable and low-latency communication.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. An application hosting service, comprising: a server configured to execute an instance of an application and exchange application data of the application with a client device over a network using a first communication channel established between the server and the client device by the application hosting service; and a text entry interface of the application that uses a second communication channel between a second computing device and the server of the application hosting service, upon detecting a text entry request during execution of the application, the text entry interface communicates with the second computing device via the second communication channel through a text capturing application programming interface (API), wherein the text entry interface, in response to the text entry request, is configured to cause generation of a text entry graphical user interface (GUI) on the second computing device, the text entry GUI used to receive textual data at the second computing device for entry at the application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an application hosting service that enables remote text entry for applications running on a server. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently capturing text input from a secondary device while maintaining the primary application session on a different client device. The service includes a server that executes an application instance and communicates with a primary client device over a first network channel. When the application requires text input, a text entry interface activates a second communication channel to a secondary computing device. This interface detects text entry requests and, through a text-capturing API, triggers a text entry GUI on the secondary device. Users can then input text via this GUI, which is transmitted back to the application running on the server. The system ensures seamless integration between the primary application session and the secondary input device, improving usability for scenarios where direct text entry on the primary device is impractical. The text-capturing API facilitates standardized communication between the application and the secondary device, enabling flexible and efficient text input workflows.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The application hosting service of claim 15 , wherein the second communication channel is separate from the first communication channel and allows the second computing device to independently connect with the application hosting service executing the application on the server.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an application hosting service that enables secure and independent communication between a server executing an application and multiple computing devices. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining secure, isolated communication channels for different devices while ensuring seamless access to the hosted application. The service establishes a first communication channel between a server and a first computing device, allowing the device to interact with the application. Additionally, a second communication channel is provided, separate from the first, enabling a second computing device to independently connect with the same application on the server. This separation ensures that the second device can access the application without relying on the first communication channel, enhancing security and flexibility. The system may also include authentication mechanisms to verify the identity of the computing devices before granting access. The invention improves upon existing application hosting services by providing dedicated, independent communication paths for different devices, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or interference between channels. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple users or devices need secure, isolated access to the same hosted application.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The application hosting service of claim 15 , wherein a connection between the server and the second computing device is established without connecting through the client device that is used to provide user input for the application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an application hosting service that enables direct communication between a server and a second computing device without routing through a client device used for user input. The system addresses the inefficiency of traditional application hosting services where all interactions between a server and secondary devices must pass through the primary client device, creating latency, bandwidth constraints, and potential security risks. The service allows the server to establish a direct connection with the second computing device, bypassing the client device entirely. This direct connection enables faster data transfer, reduced latency, and improved security by minimizing unnecessary intermediaries. The second computing device may be a peripheral device, such as a printer, sensor, or storage device, that interacts with the hosted application. The server manages the connection, ensuring seamless integration while maintaining the application's functionality. This approach optimizes performance for applications requiring real-time data processing or high-bandwidth communication with external devices. The invention also includes mechanisms to authenticate and authorize the second computing device, ensuring secure and reliable direct communication. By eliminating the client device as an intermediary, the system enhances efficiency, scalability, and user experience in application hosting environments.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

June 30, 2020

Inventors

Stephen G. Perlman

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